Post-practice news, notes

News, notes, quotes and observations from locker room access and a post-practice press briefing from Raiders coach Tom Cable:
– Yamon Figurs survived a fumbled kickoff return against San Francisco and a misplayed punt against Seattle in the preseason finale and will return both punts and kickoffs in the opener against the Titans.

Cable, when asked why Figurs got the nod, said, “Probably just the explosiveness. He touches it, and you got a chance for something big every time. That’s a dimension, as we talked about at the end of last season, all through the spring, OTAs, through camp, was developing a return game. We have a number of good returners here. I just think right now, he’s the guy we’ll go with.’’

As for Figurs’ ball security issues, Cable said, “I just think the one, against Seattle, was more kind of misplaying the ball more than anything else. And I think some of that is first time, him being in our stadium and being able to handle it, didn’t get the opportunity the week before against San Francisco.

“He was returning kickoffs. So, not too concerned about it. We kind of put him in that situation here this week and feel good about it.”

– Trevor Scott is not only back at defensive end, but as a starter on the right side.

Scott moved to weak side linebacker for the final six games of the 2009 season, played there all through organized team activities and training camp. He’s listed as a linebacker in the media guide.

Then within the last two weeks, Scott became an end with Quentin Groves starting at weak side linebacker.

Cable warned that in a rotation system, it didn’t necessarily mean Matt Shaughnessy was being demoted.

“It’s just getting the best 11 players on the field. That’s really what it comes down to,’’ Cable said. “And not that Matt Shaughnessy’s not, because he’s a dynamite player. This just gives us more quality depth to have on the field at all times.”

– Newly signed defensive tackle Jay Alford not only gives the Raiders additional depth at tackle, but will also play some end as well.

Both Alford and Richard Seymour are listed among the five defensive tackles on the roster, but both can play outside. Rookie left end Lamarr Houston can also play inside, meaning the Raiders have several different options and combinations.

(Tommy Kelly started his career as an end but hasn’t played there in the last two years).

Cable said it was possible Alford could play Sunday against the Titans.

`He certainly showed today he has some quickness, some pass rush ability,’’ Cable said. “It gives us some pass rush ability, it gives us another big body in there. A big guy that can be multiple and play both tackle and end.’’

Alford said the Giants cut him Saturday, the Raiders called Sunday, and he was in Alameda Monday.

“I guess they really couldn’t find a spot for me,’’ Alford said of the Giants. “They said I’m a pass-rushing d-tackle and they kind of wanted a run-stopping d-tackle.’’

Alford was happy to be reunited with defensive line coach Mike Waufle, because his style is “attack and cause havoc in the backfield. That’s my place, so I like it.’’

Cable would not speculate on the likelihood of who would play. The NFL says teams must specify a player as either probable, questionable, doubtful or out on Friday.

Asked if he could expand on Goethel’s injury, Cable said, “Actually, I can’t really expand on it.’’

– Cable did keep alive the hope Bush could play less than four weeks after thumb surgery.

“I think there’s a real chance,’’ Cable said about a question from the Tennessee media about Bush not playing. “I was kind of shocked to hear that today, someone said he was out. He did quite a bit today. We’ll see what he feels like tomorrow.’’

– Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell, in a thoroughly veteran performance, talked for 10 minutes without really saying much of anything.

Campbell did promise an elevated energy level due to the presence of offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.

“He’s always running around, jumping around and I’m like, ‘What are you taking before practice?,’ ‘’ Campbell said. “He always has energy. There’s never a dull moment on our practice field so he brings a lot of excitement to our offense and a lot of energy so that’s the same way we have to play.’’

– The departure of tackle Erik Pears was a minor surprise in that Pears had two distinct roles. He was the backup right tackle to Langston Walker and an extra tight end in short-yardage and goal line situations.

Pears struggled as a Raiders lineman, but had some good moments as an extra tight end _ most notably in a win in Denver last season.

With Pears out, Khalif Barnes becomes the primary backup on both sides. Barnes has also played some tight end in power formations, as has Daniel Loper, Cable said.

– How tight-lipped is rookie starting center Jared Veldheer?

He didn’t want to say how much he had actually played center in college or high school for fear of giving the Titans too much information.

– The NFL Network’s Top 100 series saw its first two Raiders make the list Tuesday night. The series began counting down from 100 to 91, with the second episode starting at 90 and going to 81.

In episode 2, Marcus Allen checked in at No. 85 and Ted Hendricks at No. 82.

Matt Millen on Marcus Allen: “Bo Jackson was phenomenally big and phenomenally fast, but Marcus Allen was head and shoulders a better football player.’’

– Now what?

ESPN’s Adam Schefter, that noted rumor-mongerer and teller of untruths, has picked the Raiders to beat the Titans in Week 1. Former Raider Eric Allen also picked Oakland.

Wow out of 8 people on ESPN only 2 took the Raiders to beat The Titans….

J Hill

Then stop making such a big deal about Condo.

——————————————————-

LOL!

Uh… NO!

Cut Condo, let’s what’s his name handle the LS duties.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/skew-t/166654980/ BART Bridge Blues

No worries, I wanted to clarify, because the term “workout warrior” gets tossed around a lot on here. But its not always about 40 times, its the mythical “guys that look good getting off the bus” as well. Al just does not select players like McClain, who is known for being more cerebral, Al likes guys that are bigger, stronger and especially faster. Not that either drafting method is better than the other, it just continues to be a problem when Al forces scholarship roster spots and starting spots on this team. DHB may be a decent player in three years, but he didnt belong on the field as a starter last season.

PurpleDrank81

JHILL who do you have on your FFBL?

bcz24

No worries JHill… Im just sick of the BLAME CONDO movement in here… Hes a pro bowl player and assures that the best punter in the game doesnt get mutilated chasing down poor snaps. Either way we WILL have a LS on the squad, why not have the best?

Ataxia

Condo should be our starting WLB…………….jk

Thec07

Figurs should be starting at insurance salesman….

RaiderRockstar

Figurs should be starting at insurance salesman….

***

true, he might “drop the ball” as a mail carrier

PurpleDrank81

Figurs is a JOKE

J Hill

I’m not blaming Condo for anything. I’m not saying he’s a bad LS. I just don’t think it’s too much to ask a PB player (don’t care what team he is on) to be able to something more than snapping the ball.

Look, I may bandwagon the Condo stuff from time to time, but it’s hardly a top my whine and cheese list. Right now, I have my sights set on Trevor Scott, lol.

Thec07

thats a HueJack call all the way…He better not let one hit the carpet on sunday….

http://www.flickr.com/photos/skew-t/166654980/ BART Bridge Blues

Condo made like half of the ST tackles in the practice season, without him our defense and the other LB’s wouldn’t even get on the field.

We have plenty of dead weight on this roster, the last thing we need to worry about is a pro-bowler.

Ataxia

As weak as our special teams have been theres no need to make them worse and cut condo

PurpleDrank81

T.Scott will be fine…He’ll be switched back and forth between LB and DE

http://www.actionext.com/playlist_57486.html La Milicia Negra

# J Hill Says:
September 9th, 2010 at 12:36 pm

On a side note …

I think it is HILARIOUS every time I see guys like Marshall Faulk suited up, and then they pan the camera back and they have on sneakers.
_______________________________________________________

que? is it funny because he have sneakers on and not cleets?

J Hill

PD81

In the Raider league …

J Campbell

Adrian Peterson
Ryan Matthews
Cedric Benson

Vernon Davis

DHB
Dez Bryant
Braylon Edwards
Mike Williams

Jano

Oak Defense

I’m going to SMASH JFB week 1!

Thec07

que? is it funny because he have sneakers on and not cleets?

++++++++++++++++

lol…

PurpleDrank81

I hope Figurs can shut me up and take 1 to the house but Id also like DMC to get 100 yards rushing….. C’mon guys prove me wrong

http://blackhole@aldavisshouldbeonmountrushmore Drexl

Didn’t Condo run down and make a few assists this preseason? The mans a beast!

http://www.car.org KoolKell

J Hill Says:
September 9th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

I think the whole workout warrior thing gets a bit over blown. Before DHB, the “fastest guy in the combine” wouldn’t come to us until round 4 or 5.
———————————-
Anybody who denies Al Davis drafts size & speed first, doesn’t know much about the Raiders.

http://www.actionext.com/playlist_57486.html La Milicia Negra

#

# J Hill Says:
September 9th, 2010 at 12:39 pm

Go ahead… Ill wait.

——————————————————-

You’re killing me man.

I couldn’t even tell you who Robert Mathis was, and you want me to give you some LS info?
________________________________________________________

for real? i think most NFL fans here in DK know Robert Mathis…

RaiderRockstar

We have plenty of dead weight on this roster, the last thing we need to worry about is a pro-bowler.

We have to win the turn over battle. Cant afford to have Figgs dropping one. If he does he should be cut on monday.

J Hill

Condo made like half of the ST tackles in the practice season,

——————————————————-

Should be able to play on KO team and at LEAST be the #6 LB.

Why the heck can’t the backup C snap the ball.

PurpleDrank81

That is a Nice squad…Make mine look amatuer but then again when it comes to FFBL I’am amatuer..

Ataxia

Besides chris johnson the titans dont have nobody on their team thats anygood. Theyre wr are worse then ours. Even if they had a good wr vince young is their qb…Raiders 21 titans 7!!!!

Thec07

Jhill, did you have a choice between matthews, and Spiler?

J Hill

I see some of you want to take the Mathis thing and run with it.

This will be my first post after we beat up on Indy this season ….

Mathis = who ????

Thec07

Our first team defense has been very stout in the RedZ.

J Hill

Yup …

Went with Matthews.

http://www.actionext.com/playlist_57486.html La Milicia Negra

# bcz24 Says:
September 9th, 2010 at 12:47 pm

No worries JHill… Im just sick of the BLAME CONDO movement in here… Hes a pro bowl player and assures that the best punter in the game doesnt get mutilated chasing down poor snaps. Either way we WILL have a LS on the squad, why not have the best?
________________________________________________________

Finally some support, I have said this for a long time, and guys like BSJ keeps blaming Condo, as if we got rid of him we actually would be a PO team, LOL…
There are 3 specialist on a 53 roster, and Condo is one of them… if you have the highest paid kicker and punter you better have some quality player to serve them..

Thec07

New post

PurpleDrank81

Peyton Manning
Chad Henne

Deangelo Williams
Jahvid Best
Darren Mcfadden(Hoping Those screens Help out)